
Pondicherry, Tanjore & Trichy
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Start in Chennai on a 5–day loop that returns to Chennai, mixing coast, temples and living heritage. You’ll explore UNESCO–listed Mahabalipuram – Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and vast rock reliefs – then unwind in Pondicherry’s French Quarter and along the promenade. Visit Auroville’s Matrimandir and the Aurobindo Ashram, before tracing Chola mastery at Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. Continue to Tanjore for the awe–inspiring Brihadeshwara and royal treasures. In Trichy, climb the Rock Fort and admire Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Cap it off in Kanchipuram – sacred shrines and shimmering silk workshops – before rolling back to Chennai with a head full of stories.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
ChennaiEnds
TanjoreMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaTour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See

Chennai

Kanchipuram

Mahabalipuram

Chennai (Madras)

Pondicherry

Auroville

Gangaikondacholapuram

Darasuram

Chidambaram

Thanjore

Thanjavur

Tiruchirappalli

Trichy

Coimbatore

Tiruvannamalai
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Chennai to Pondicherry
Chennai – Mahabalipuram – Pondicherry (approx. 235 km – 5 hrs). We collect you from your hotel or the airport in Chennai this morning and drive south towards Pondicherry via Kanchipuram. En route, we stop in Mahabalipuram, an ancient port city known for its UNESCO listed monuments. We visit the Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal, the monolithic Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance and the natural granite boulder known as Krishna’s Butter Ball. We then continue along the coast to Pondicherry and check in to your hotel. In the evening, you can stroll along Promenade Beach or explore the French Quarter’s colonial streets. Overnight in Pondicherry.
Day 2 - Exploring Pondicherry
Pondicherry sets the scene for a day of culture and reflection. We begin with Auroville – an experimental township dedicated to human unity – and see the Matrimandir, a striking golden sphere set amid quiet gardens. We then visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, founded by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, a calm space that draws seekers from around the world.
Back in town, we explore the French Quarter’s tree-lined streets, colonial-era villas and elegant churches, gaining a feel for Pondicherry’s blend of French and Tamil influences. We also pause at Raj Nivas and Government Square to appreciate their distinctive architecture.
In the evening, you can unwind on the beach or continue exploring at your own pace. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - Journey to Tanjore
Leave Pondicherry for Tanjore – about 185 km and around four hours by road – with culturally rich stops en route. We first visit Chidambaram to explore the Nataraja Temple, an important Shiva shrine known for its depiction of the cosmic dance and finely detailed sculpture. We then continue to the Great Living Chola Temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, UNESCO World Heritage sites that showcase the architectural mastery of the Chola period.
Arrive in Tanjore and check in to your hotel. You can unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s explorations. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Tanjore & Trichy
Tanjore to Trichy – 60 km – around 1.5 hours. We begin the day in Tanjore at the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeshwara Temple, an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture with a soaring vimana and detailed stonework. We continue to the Vijayanagar Fort and Tanjore Palace, then the Tanjore Art Gallery to see notable bronze and stone sculptures.
We then drive to Trichy. On arrival, we visit the vast Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of South India’s largest Vaishnavite shrines. We head up the ancient Rock Fort for wide views over the city and finish at the serene Jambukeswarar Temple, renowned for its distinctive design and significance. Overnight at hotel in Trichy.
Day 5 - Kanchipuram & Chennai
Trichy to Chennai – about 330 km, approximately six hours by road. We depart Trichy for the drive back to Chennai, stopping en route in Kanchipuram to explore key temples. We visit Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, a fine example of Dravidian architecture; Ekambareswarar Temple, where a revered ancient mango tree is associated with local belief; and Varadharaja Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. We also stop by Kanchipuram silk saree weaving centres to see artisans at work. We then continue to Chennai, where we drop you at your hotel or the airport.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.


Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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